Capsule formation around breast implants

Abstract

All implants are rapidly coated by the host with glycoproteins forming a thin capsule, and this is a normal response. Where an inflammatory stimulus such as infection is present, the capsule can thicken and become microvascularised and sometimes calcified. This inflammatory stimulus can take the form of leachable chemicals from the implant, or bacteria live or dead. The presence of live bacteria can lead to biofilm development, which is part of the chronic infective, inflammatory process. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes have been implicated in chronic infection around breast implants, and some animal models suggest their involvement in capsule contracture. Molecular methods have revealed an array of microorganisms from samples of removed capsular material, though they are extremely sensitive to contamination. The relevance of the results to capsular contracture remains poorly understood. Bacteria of low virulence are shown associated with capsular contracture and calcification, and measures beyond those conventionally applied need to be investigated to limit perioperative contamination.

Keywords: Breast implant; Calcification; Capsular contracture; Low-grade infection.